Fitness and Shehata FilGoal.com: Why haven't you featured for Zamalek until now? Mido: I am yet to reach full fitness. Taking part in matches while I am still short of fitness would make me vulnerable to injuries. Coach Hassan Shehata and I are in no rush, we still have a long season to go. I am looking forward to appearing in the cup semi-final- should we go through- in order to be ready to participate in the Egyptian league games. Some people suspect a fall-out with head coach Shehata anytime soon recalling incidents back in 2006 and 2010, how do you see it? Unfortunately, there are those who always make up problems in the club, but we do understand that well. We are only concerned about achieving the Egyptian Cup title and kicking off our league campaign in good shape. What would be Zamalek's best formation? The management is only entitled to choose what they see best for the team. I just want to emphasize that winning against unfancied sides is much more important than talking about the team's formation which could be changed according the run of the game. Stumbling again lowly teams has been our major drawback during the past seasons. Stability and late dues What does Zamalek need to win a trophy? Maintaining stability is of the utmost importance, and that is what the management always tries to provide. We must not be distracted by any problems that others intentionally make up to derail our run; we should avoid the past mistakes that cost us the league last season. So what were the problems that hampered the team's run last season? Administrative issues has been taking its toll on the team for quite a while, most notably, late dues posed a major hurdle to the team's run last season. Players have a lot of financial obligations that they must fulfill, that is why such problems affect their concentration inside the pitch and their form plummets subsequently. We don't have any other profession but football to bring home the bacon. And did you receive your wages in full? Actually, I have not received but quarter the sum, but the board promised to provide my dues in full as soon as possible. I just don't want to get through that subject, what I want to say is being patient doesn't mean that you have given up your rights, club officials should understand that. Cup title and Ahli
Do you think claiming the Egyptian Cup would be a good step towards winning the league, a title Zamalek failed to win since 2004? In general, there will be a fierce competition next season, especially after- former Zamalek Coach Hossam Hassan- took over at Ismaili who boast many skillful players among their ranks. I also think Ahli now have more time and a better chance to prepare for the league following their Cup exit. I expect them to be in a much better form than the last season. Do you think Ahli's elimination from the last-16 stage bolsters Zamalek chances as to winning the title? Not the least bit, I see all the remaining teams having equal chances of securing the title, they all boast the abilities to advance to latter stages and vie for the Cup. We shall never underestimate any team, which is important to realize the dream of clinching the title. Ahli's defeat does not mean we won the Cup, we cannot take it for granted. New signings and competition From your perspective, Did Zamalek sign the quality players they need this summer? Apart from new signings, players were never the nub of Zamalek's problem during the past seasons that saw them win just a single title in seven years. We have decent players on board, and coach Shehata doesn't spare any effort to keep the team on even keel and isolate it from external problems. Aren't you worried with the presence of many strikers in the team? It is not the number of strikers that really matters, but it is rather their attributes and qualities. Any high-profile team aiming to win titles must possess at least four frontmen with different attributes like pace and physicality for instance. Every player knows well that there will be times where he would be featuring and other times where he would be finding himself on the sidelines. Would you play in a position other than the striker's position? I did on several occasions play out of position. For instance, during my last spell at Zamalek, manager Hossam Hassan used to deploy me as a deep-lying striker with some duties to fulfill in midfield, and I think I did well. I also got the experience to help me adapt to different playing situations, the abilities of your teammates influence your game as well, as when I used to play at Tottenham Hotspur, I have partnered the likes of Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and Frederic Kanoute upfront. I had to change my playing style according to the type of striker fielded beside me. What about the captaincy armband following the signing of Egypt skipper Ahmed Hassan? People made a big deal out of that saga, I don't think Hassan would be concerned by such trivialities. Personality attributes are what determines who captains a team.
